The President believes that Russian-Chinese intergovernmental consultations on issues of security, the mechanisms of which were agreed upon today, are the foundation of cooperation between the two countries in this sphere.
Tan Jiaxuan noted that this is the first time China has created the mechanism of consultations on issues of security with another nation, for Russia is China’s main partner in strategic cooperation.
Mr Putin said that Russia is expecting a visit by the President of China, Hu Jintao, for the 60th anniversary celebrations of Victory. In reply, Tan Jiaxuan passed on a warm greeting and best wishes to the Russian President from Hu Jintao.
Tan Jiaxuan also informed Mr Putin about talks held today with the Secretary of the Security Council Igor Ivanov.